Thailand’s Epic Historical Drama “The Empress of Ayodhaya” Explores a Turbulent Tale of Power and Forbidden Love
By the Editorial Team
Produced by Thailand’s One 31 channel, The Empress of Ayodhaya (Thai: แม่หยัว) is a grand historical costume drama that delves into the intense court politics and power struggles of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Since its premiere on October 24, 2024, the series has garnered impressive viewership, topping the charts on Thailand’s oneD streaming platform during its debut week.
Set during the golden era of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, the story follows the strong-willed heroine Jinda, portrayed by Thai superstar Mai Davika. In a bid to reclaim the royal throne, Jinda sacrifices her personal happiness by becoming a consort to the new king. With her beauty and intelligence, she navigates the treacherous court, facing fierce rivalries and political intrigue. Her secret lover, Wamon—played by Film Thanapat Kawila—adds layers of emotional complexity, with their relationship becoming a central thread in the unfolding drama.
The series is inspired by the life of Mae Yua Srisudachan (แม่หยัวศรีสุดาจันทร์), the only documented female ruler in Ayutthaya’s history. It is helmed by award-winning director Sant Srikaewlaw (สันต์ ศรีแก้วหล่อ) and creatively guided by screenwriter Sirilak Srisukon (ศิริลักษณ์ ศรีสุคนธ์). To ensure historical authenticity, renowned historian Anchalee Maitree (อัญชลี ไมตรี) was brought on as a consultant, adding cultural depth and historical richness to the production.
With high production values and attention to period detail, The Empress of Ayodhaya has been compared to the hit historical romance Love Destiny (บุพเพสันนิวาส). However, the drama also faced backlash over a controversial scene involving a sedated cat, which was so realistic it sparked public outrage and led to investigations by animal rights groups. Although the director clarified that anesthesia was used and no harm was done, the incident negatively affected the show’s reputation and viewership.
Despite the controversy, The Empress of Ayodhaya remains a visually stunning and emotionally gripping drama worth watching. The series consists of 10 episodes and concluded on November 27, 2024.
